Thai Senate begins first reading of amnesty bill amid continued protests

BANGKOK, November 11 (TNA) - Thai senators have begun the first reading of the controversial amnesty bill, while at least four civic groups have planned to join a mass rally held at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok to air their protests against the bill. The Senate began the session for the amnesty bill debate at 10am on Monday, after it was postponed from last Friday due to the lack of quorum. Based on Thailand's 2010 Constitution, senators are to complete deliberating the amnesty bill within 60 days after the House of Representatives approved the draft bill on November 1, 2013. If the Senate rejects the draft bill, it is to be sent back to the House of Representatives and the Lower House is to freeze it for 180 days before reconsidering it or letting it drop out. Core senators have vowed to vote against the controversial amnesty bill, while the government's coalition parties have signed an agreement to drop the draft bill if it is rejected by the Upper House. Despite the withdrawal of all the draft amnesty bills, demonstrations against the controversial amnesty bill have continued in Bangkok and in several provincial areas, two major of them have been held on Rajadamnoen Avenue near the Parliament and the Government House buildings. Reports said, meanwhile, that at least four civic groups opposing the draft amnesty bill were rallying in four different business areas in Bangkok, including on Silom Road, in front of a shopping complex on Asoke Montri Road, at a subway station on Ratchadapisek Intersection and at a skytrain station in Soi Aree on Phaholyothin Road. All the four groups were expected to join a mass rally, organised by Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party on Rajadamnoen Avenue later in the day. At least 12 schools located near the demonstration sites in the capital have announced a three-day temporary closure, from November 11-13, 2013 for the safety of students, parents and teachers. (TNA)